Azuma murasaki is a red ''matsumurae'' type whose name means ''purple of the east''. Has deeply divided reddish lobes with a slight purple hue to the red tone of the laves with green undertones showing through. When first opening, new leaves are yellow-orange with a dusty appearance due to a fine covering of hairs. In summer leaves turn deep green with a reddish overlay.

Makes a small tree up to 18 feet tall with a round topped appearance. Plants are currently 10-12" tall. Makes a good contrast to other red maples in the garden.